Open Door Preschool FAQs2024-08-25T16:07:36+00:00

Find answers to common questions about Open Doors Preschool.

FAQs

General Information

What is your teacher-to-child ratio?2024-08-25T15:38:50+00:00

We strictly follow Florida’s state guidelines to ensure each child gets the care and attention they deserve.

Our ratios are:

  • Infants: 1 teacher for every 4 babies
  • One-year-olds: 1 teacher for every 6 children
  • Two-year-olds: 1 teacher for every 11 children
  • Three-year-olds: 1 teacher for every 15 children
  • Four-year-olds: 1 teacher for every 20 children
  • VPK(Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten): 1 teacher for every 11 children

In addition, we have dedicated staff who move between classrooms to assist during busy times like diaper changes, potty training, transitions, and meals. This ensures our teachers can focus fully on your child. We’re committed to maintaining a safe, well-supervised environment where every child’s needs are met, and our teachers have the support they need to succeed.

Do you offer part-time or drop-in care?2024-08-25T15:36:37+00:00

We offer part-time positions based on the availability of each center. For more current and accurate information, give us a call.

What is your tuition and fee structure?2024-08-25T15:19:55+00:00

We have clear and consistent tuition structure based on the age of your child, with the same rates applied to all children within the same age group. Tuition is billed weekly. During your tour, we’ll provide detailed information on our rates and answer any questions you may have. We also accept financial assistance through the Early Learning Coalition (ELC) and the School Readiness program. We’d love to discuss how we can support your family—schedule a tour to learn more about pricing!

What are your operating hours?2024-08-25T15:19:13+00:00

Our normal business hours are 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. These hours may differ depending on holidays and weather conditions. We post an updated holiday closure schedule at all centers for parents to see.

What age groups do you serve?2024-08-25T15:09:39+00:00

We provide childcare for children 6 weeks old to VPK. We also have a Summer Camp program for children up to age 11yrs old.

Safety and Health

How do you handle food allergies or dietary restrictions?2024-08-25T15:43:49+00:00

When a child is enrolled, we ask parents to provide details about any food allergies or dietary restrictions on the enrollment form. This information is shared with our program’s cook and every teacher in the child’s classroom. Each teacher keeps a list of all the allergies and dietary restrictions for the children in their care. At mealtime, if the menu doesn’t align with a child’s dietary needs, we provide an alternative meal that has been pre-approved by the parent. Our goal is to ensure that every child’s dietary needs are met safely and appropriately.

What is your policy on vaccinations?2024-08-25T15:44:10+00:00

We follow the immunization requirements set by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). As part of the enrollment process, we require up-to-date immunization and physical records for each child to be submitted within the first 30 days of enrollment. These records are essential for your child to continue attending our center.

If records are not up to date within this timeframe, your child’s attendance will need to be paused until the necessary documentation is provided. The required vaccinations are in line with DCF guidelines for licensed childcare facilities. We will need the appropriate documentation if your child is exempt from vaccinations for medical or religious reasons.

Keeping these records current is vital to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all children in our care.

What is your illness policy?2024-08-25T15:42:19+00:00

To ensure the health and safety of all children and staff, we have a strict illness policy in place. If a child shows symptoms of illness, such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or contagious conditions, we require that they stay home until they are symptom-free for at least 24 hours without medication. If a child becomes ill while at the center, parents will be notified immediately, and the child will need to be picked up as soon as possible. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our environment healthy for everyone.

What are your health and sanitation practices?2024-08-25T15:41:47+00:00

We take great pride in maintaining strong health and sanitation practices. Our teachers dedicate time throughout the day to sanitizing floors, tabletops, cots, toys, bathrooms, and more. Anytime a staff member sees a child mouth a toy, it is set aside for sanitization before being returned to its proper place. Additionally, our staff conducts a thorough deep cleaning of the center every Friday.

What safety measures are in place?2024-08-25T15:40:52+00:00

All doors remain locked at all times and can only be accessed with a code provided to parents upon enrollment. All other visitors must be buzzed in, present ID, and sign in. This ensures that we know who everyone is in our facility and that they are authorized to be here. When someone comes to pick up a child, they are required to show ID and be verified against that child’s approved pickup list. Once verified, they are registered with a fingerprint to sign the child out, allowing us to maintain accurate records of pickups and drop-offs.

Curriculum and Activities

Do you offer Early Head Start or Head Start programs?2024-08-25T15:53:57+00:00

Yes, we offer Early Head Start programs at our Lehigh Acres and Cape Coral locations. Early Head Start is a federally funded program designed to support the development of infants and toddlers from birth to age 3, as well as pregnant women. This program provides comprehensive services that focus on early childhood education, health, nutrition, and family engagement, helping to ensure that young children have a strong foundation for future learning.

Our Early Head Start program is tailored to meet young children’s and their families’ unique needs, offering a nurturing and supportive environment that promotes cognitive, social, and emotional development. Families enrolled in Early Head Start also receive access to a range of support services, including healthcare, nutrition assistance, and parenting resources.

To learn more about Early Head Start, including eligibility and how to apply, please visit this website or contact our Lehigh Acres or Cape Coral locations directly.

How do you support children’s social and emotional development?2024-08-25T15:48:44+00:00

We strongly emphasize fostering social and emotional development in our program. Through daily interactions with adults and peers, children learn to build positive relationships, regulate their emotions, and practice appropriate social behaviors. We use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior and help children develop self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment. Our curriculum includes activities that promote creative problem-solving, collaborative play, and freedom of choice, all of which contribute to developing empathy, effective communication skills, and emotional regulation. We aim to create a supportive environment where every child feels valued and respected, helping them grow into well-rounded individuals.

Do you offer any extracurricular activities?2024-08-25T15:47:19+00:00

Yes, we offer several extracurricular activities to enrich your child’s experience. In addition to our core curriculum, we partner with programs like Soccer Shots and Amazing Athletes, which are available for an additional fee. These programs provide opportunities for physical activity and skill development beyond what we offer in-house. We also coordinate visits from educational speakers, such as animal rescuers and firefighters, to teach children about their contributions to the community. Additionally, we host several parent and child events throughout the year, like Muffins with Mom and Donuts with Dad, to foster family involvement and create special memories.

What types of activities will my child participate in?2024-08-25T15:45:59+00:00

Each classroom follows a consistent daily schedule that helps children feel secure by knowing what to expect throughout the day. The schedule balances educational and recreational activities, including hands-on learning, outdoor play, and creative problem-solving. We also incorporate quiet times, small group interactions, and family-style meals to support both individual growth and social development. To keep you connected, we use a parent portal app that allows for real-time communication and sends live photos and videos of your child’s activities. The posted schedules and lesson plans keep you informed about your child’s daily experiences.

What curriculum do you use?2024-08-25T15:45:15+00:00

Each classroom plans its daily routines and activities based on developmentally appropriate practices for young children. The learning experiences provided by the teachers enhance development in the children on all levels: socially, emotionally, cognitively, physically, and creatively.

The curriculum includes daily plans that allow freedom of choice, interactions with adults and children, active and quiet activities, individual and small group activities, family-style meals, hands-on exploration of real materials, outdoor/active play, and creative problem-solving. Lesson plans, daily schedules, menus, and special events are posted in each classroom.

Special Programs

How do you handle special needs or accommodations?2024-08-25T15:54:46+00:00

We are committed to providing an inclusive environment where all children can thrive. If your child has special needs or requires specific accommodations, we work closely with you to develop an individualized plan that meets their unique requirements. This may involve collaborating with specialists, modifying the classroom environment, or adapting activities to ensure your child’s participation and success. Our goal is to support every child’s development and ensure they feel valued and included in all aspects of our program.

Do you offer Early Head Start or Head Start programs?2024-08-25T15:53:57+00:00

Yes, we offer Early Head Start programs at our Lehigh Acres and Cape Coral locations. Early Head Start is a federally funded program designed to support the development of infants and toddlers from birth to age 3, as well as pregnant women. This program provides comprehensive services that focus on early childhood education, health, nutrition, and family engagement, helping to ensure that young children have a strong foundation for future learning.

Our Early Head Start program is tailored to meet young children’s and their families’ unique needs, offering a nurturing and supportive environment that promotes cognitive, social, and emotional development. Families enrolled in Early Head Start also receive access to a range of support services, including healthcare, nutrition assistance, and parenting resources.

To learn more about Early Head Start, including eligibility and how to apply, please visit this website or contact our Lehigh Acres or Cape Coral locations directly.

Do you accept state subsidies or vouchers?2024-08-25T15:51:49+00:00

Yes, we accept financial assistance through the School Readiness Program, which is managed by the Early Learning Coalition (ELC). This program helps eligible families with the cost of childcare, ensuring that all children have access to quality early education. If you qualify for School Readiness funding, we are happy to work with you to make our programs accessible and affordable. Please contact us for more details on how to apply and use these benefits at our center.

Do you offer a VPK program?2024-08-25T15:51:03+00:00
  • Yes, we do offer a Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program. Our VPK program is designed to prepare four-year-olds for kindergarten by focusing on early literacy, math, and social skills in a play-based, nurturing environment.
  • Eligibility: To be eligible for the VPK program, children must be four years old on or before September 1st of the current school year.
  • HowtoEnroll: To enroll in our VPK program, you must obtain a VPK voucher from Florida’s Early Learning Coalition (ELC). Once you have the voucher, simply contact us to schedule a tour and complete the enrollment process. We’ll provide you with all the necessary information and assist you with any questions you may have. ○
  • Our VPK program is free of charge for eligible children, and it’s a great way to give your child a strong start in their educational journey.

Additional Services

Is transportation available?2024-08-25T15:57:34+00:00

No, we offer transportation services at this time.

Do you provide meals and snacks?2024-08-25T15:55:26+00:00

Yes, we provide breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack for all children in our care. We participate in the USDA Food Program, which ensures that all meals and snacks are nutritious and meet the dietary guidelines for young children. Our menus are carefully planned to provide balanced and healthy options, and we can accommodate dietary restrictions as needed.

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